Jacobson pair aims for BC Sprint

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer David Jacobson will double down on this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint as he plans to run both Salutos Amigos and Stallwalkin’ Dude in the $1.5 million race Oct. 31 at Keeneland.

Salutos Amigos and Stallwalkin’ Dude were a head apart when second and third behind Rock Fall in the Grade 1 Vosburgh at Belmont Park on Sept. 26. Afterward, Jacobson said he definitely was planning to send Salutos Amigos to the Breeders’ Cup, but he hedged on what he was going to do with Stallwalkin’ Dude. He has opted to give that 5-year-old gelding by City Place the chance to run.

“Two shots are better than one,” Jacobson said Friday.

Jacobson said Stallwalkin’ Dude ran “a very good race” in the Vosburgh.

“With a little luck, he could have won it,” he said. “To get beat a neck to probably the best sprinter in the country and finish right next to Salutos Amigos, he can’t be overlooked.”

Jacobson claimed Stallwalkin’ Dude for $16,000 in September 2014. In 18 starts since, the gelding has a record of 8-4-4 and has earned $528,150. In the spring, he won the Diablo Stakes at Belmont, beating Palace Malice. He finished second to Rock Fall in the Grade 2 True North and third to Private Zone in the Grade 3 Belmont Sprint Championship.

Meanwhile, Jacobson said Salutos Amigos’s feet are fine despite losing a shoe during the Vosburgh.

“No damage,” Jacobson said.